alexis joy hagestad

pest control: 1300 pixels explores the relationship between humans and non-human species, particularly bats. This video comprises 1,300 digital pixels that combine to form one image. Using bat echolocation, I allow the bats' voices to manipulate this image's photographic pixels through contrast and luminosity. Bats perceive their surroundings in a unique way, distinct from humans. To "see," bats emit echolocation calls, gathering a wealth of data and perceiving only fragments of reality at a time. 

In 2006, a deadly fungus known as Pseudogymnoascus destructans, or white-nose syndrome, began decimating bat colonies across the United States. This decline in bat populations led to increased pesticide use as farmers lost their natural pest control. A recent study published in Science associated this rise in pesticide application with a nearly 8% increase in infant mortality, resulting in over 1,300 additional child deaths. This research highlights a rare causal link between the decline of an animal species and human health, underscoring the ecological and economic value of bats.

Biodiversity is the foundation of life, providing essential services such as food, clean water, and climate regulation that sustain human well-being. Its loss disrupts ecosystems, making our world more vulnerable to disease, climate instability, and the collapse of vital resources we depend on. As species face widespread extinction worldwide, ecosystems are increasingly disrupted. 

pest control: 1300 pixels examines animals' potential perspective and intelligence, highlighting how understanding this perspective can contribute to maintaining the delicate balance of the Earth’s ecosystems.